Clonmacash should be in the money at Ayr

Irish eyes could be smiling at Ayr on Monday when Adrian McGuinness’ Clonmacash makes a raid on the Fergie & Myra Happel Ayr Gold Cup Trial Handicap.

The five-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the table having competed 56 times over the course of his career to date, and encouragingly for his supporters he has finished fourth and second on his two previous visits to the Scottish west coast.

He arrives on the back of some good form back in Ireland this term, including when fourth in a competitive Curragh event on his penultimate start before making the podium in another fair contest at Limerick most recently.

That should tee him up nicely for this trip across the Irish Sea and a bold bid is predicted with Clifford Lee booked to do the steering.

Imperial Guard can make it back-to-back course and distance wins for Michael Dods in the 25% Off Lunch At Western House Hotel Handicap.

The five-year-old won easily here last week and a 5lb penalty might not be enough to halt a follow-up, while consistent stablemate Golden Havana is also fancied to get involved in the concluding Watch Racing TV Free For 31 Days Handicap.

Darlington-based Dods could also be among the winners later in the evening at Beverley, where Glenfinnan has the opportunity to stamp his class on the SkyBet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap.

The six-year-old has won valuable handicaps at the likes of Ascot and Sandown off ratings in the 90s in the past and last September even went close in a premier handicap at Leopardstown.

He has also shown a real liking for the Westwood, winning over course and distance here in May before rattling the crossbar in his most recent outing.

His form this season has been as solid as ever and there is surely room for further success off his current mark of 79.

Earlier on the card it is experience that could win the day for Concert Pitch in the opening Racing TV EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes.

Brian Ellison’s youngster has already notched up five outings and although he has yet to hit the target, he has finished second twice and has also ran well at this venue on a couple of occasions.

The Malton handler won this race with a useful sprinter last season and could now have another youngster primed to repeat that feat.

It is Sunshine Star that could shine brightest at Windsor as John and Thady Gosden’s Lingfield winner enters the handicap ranks off what could prove a lenient figure in the British Stallion Studs EBF Support The Big Bear Voyage Fillies’ Handicap.

The daughter of Sea The Stars is a half-sister to the Clarehaven team’s Oaks winner Soul Sister and although Sunshine Star is unlikely to reach the same level, she still looks a useful prospect sure to rate better than her opening mark of 84.

Two learning experiences amongst useful company at Kempton and Sandown resulted in an impressive success when the penny dropped at the third time of asking and it will be no surprise to see her continue to thrive during the second half of the season.

There could also be plenty of quality on show in the Join Fitzdares For A Personal Service Maiden Stakes, in which the smartly bred Castlemont hits the track for the first time.

Charlie Appleby’s son of New Bay cost 375,000 guineas as a foal and is a full-brother to the Group One-winning Bay Bridge. – Press Association

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings on Monday. Here are the tips.

CARTMEL: Race 1: 14.42 Gambino, Race 2: 15.12 Secret Secret, Race 3: 15.42 Matoury, Race 4: 16.12 Scots Poet, Race 5: 16.42 Sean Og, Race 6: 17.12 Dunkerque, Race 7: 17.47 Jack Sprat.

AYR: Race 1: 15.00 Great Oak, Race 2: 15.30 Cotai Starlight, Race 3: 16.00 Imperial Guard, Race 4: 16.30 CLONMACASH (NAP), Race 5: 17.00 Krissy, Race 6: 17.30 Sophiesticate, Race 7: 18.00 Golden Havana.

WINDSOR: Race 1: 18.50 Regal Tiger, Race 2: 19.20 Lady Rosalind, Race 3: 19.50 Castlemont, Race 4: 20.20 Visually, Race 5: 20.50 Sunshine Star, Race 6: 21.20 Fast Steps, Race 7: 21.50 Gladiadora.

BEVERLEY: Race 1: 19.30 Concert Pitch, Race 2: 20.00 Bibendum, Race 3: 20.30 Glenfinnan, Race 4: 21.00 Walk On Walk On, Race 5: 21.30 Elettaria, Race 6: 22.00 Shimmering Sands.

ALL TO COME: Clonmacash (Ayr, Race 4) and Sunshine Star (Windsor, Race 5).